Ben Bray re-writes world record books
Ben Bray claims the title of the quickest four cylinder 'doored' car in the world (Photo courtesy Dave Reid)Team Bray Racing's Ben Bray re-wrote the record books on Saturday 20 April 2013 when at Willowbank Raceway's Super Sportsman event he blazed down the Queensland quarter-mile in 6.807 seconds at 202.39 miles per hour in his four cylinder Nissan Altima.
The results sees Bray and his TBR Nissan Altima claim the title of the quickest four cylinder 'doored' car in the world running an SR20 motor, and the quickest four cylinder car outright in Australia.
The record-breaking pass came at the hottest part of the afternoon, and following a 6.86 second pass at 202 miles per hour earlier in the day.
"When we went down the track for the first time that day and set the 6.86 second pass at 202 miles per hour, that saw us just two tenths off the national record and things were looking good," said Bray.
The record setting numbers (Photo courtesy Dave Reid)"When we next headed out on track at 2.30pm the temperatures were high, providing a less than ideal environment for record-breaking performances.
"Despite that though, we were able to hammer down the track with the 6.807 second pass at 202.39 miles per hour, snatching not just the Australian record from my mate Michael Baghdadi but also the world record for my car's engine type.
"To say I was elated was an understatement. We had changed the gear ratios and the transmission after the Sydney Jamboree and were confident of a good showing, but this just smashed all of our expectations for the day and really made all the late nights worthwhile!
"I have got to say a big thank you to my dad Victor (Bray) for all of his efforts in helping me crack this goal and his teachings, and also my sponsors Sidchrome, Garrett Turbo, Speedflow, ET Racecar Chases, Mick's Motorsport and Phil Laird without these guys this result would not have been possible.
"A special mention has to go to my friend Michael of Mick's Motorsport – he now has some work to do on his own car if he wants to reclaim the record!"
Bray wasn't the only one who was excited as he crossed the finish line, with his crew chief Anthony Vloedmans lighting up the two-way radio.
"Everyone here at Team Bray Racing including Benny have worked so hard to first crack that 'six second' marker and then to go after the record," said Vloedmans.
"To achieve that at Willowbank Raceway at the weekend was just phenomenal, I don't mind saying that I had a hard time containing myself over Ben's two-way radio as he crossed the finish line – what a brilliant result!"
The Nissan Altima will now retire to the team garage as Team Bray Racing gets ready to head to Sydney Dragway's Nitro Champs (3-5 May 2013), where Ben and Victor will line up amongst a field of more than 20 Top Doorslammers.
On-track action at Sydney Dragway's Nitro Champs will kick off from 10.00am each day, with Top Doorslammer on track for qualifying on Saturday at 12noon and enjoying their eliminations from 12noon to 6pm on Sunday.
